1981 BMW 520 vs. 2007 BMW 330
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 BMW 330 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 248 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
